Changing to an Irish Licence

Are you a non-national driver looking to drive in Ireland?

It’s possible to exchange a driving licence issued by an EU member state or an EEA member state (Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland) for an Irish driving licence. It is also possible to exchange a driving licence issued by certain recognised states for an Irish driving licence: these states are Australia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, New Zealand and Taiwan.

Non EU/EEA Driver

As a visitor to Ireland you can drive on a driving licence from any state outside the EU/EEA for up to a year as long as the driving licence is current and valid. However, when you take up ‘normal residence’ in Ireland you must either exchange your driving licence or apply for a driving licence in Ireland. You are considered to be normally resident in Ireland if you usually live here for at least 185 days in each calendar year.

Gaining an Irish Licence

If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, to gain an Irish licence you will need to complete a driver theory test, apply for a driver’s licence, and then completing your driving test in Ireland. Here at the BDA we offer a guide to the steps involved in that process.

As you prepare to take your driving test, it makes sense to learn how to drive safely on Irish roads and in accordance with Irish law. Our private practice track here at the Bantry Driving Academy in West Cork’s Mealagh Valley is a perfect place to learn. You’ll have privacy and helpful tuition here on the track before we set out onto the public roads and test routes.

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Driving Lessons with a Difference!

Take driving lessons at the Bantry Driving Academy, and you'll start out on state-of-the-art driving simulators, build your skills on our practice track, and then progress to lessons on the public roads.

Our ADI driving instructors work with individuals, school groups, and clubs to provide expert road training in a fun and stimulating environment. Book now to get your driving career off to a great start!